§ Mr. LARDNERasked the Chief Secretary how many applications have been made to the Board of National Education in Ireland for grants for building new schools which have not been dealt with by the Board owing to the want of funds; will he state what amount these unsatisfied applications represent; during what period they were made; and what steps he proposes to take for the purpose of providing funds for the erection of these schools?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThere are at present before the Commissioners of National Education 260 applications for Grants towards the erection of new school-houses which cannot be dealt with owing to want of funds. These applications, if granted, would represent, it is estimated, a State expenditure of £180,000. About 180 of these applications were received during the last three years. The other eighty are of a much older date. As regards the last paragraph of the question I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the question of the hon. Member for North Kildare on 22nd November last.